The first time that I can remember my father quoting from the Book of Habakkuk, I thought that name, Habakkuk, was funny.
Who in his right mind would name a boy Habakkuk?
Habakkuk’s name means to “embrace” or “wrestle.” As is usually the case, his name has something to do with the message of the book. I think it relates to the fact that he was wrestling with a difficult issue. If God is good, then why is there evil in the world? And if there has to be evil, then why do the evil prosper?
My Dad memorized whole books of the Bible, and I can't begin to count the number of times he quoted Habakkuk's statement of faith which became his, too. Here it is:
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, and there is no yield on the vines, though the olive crops fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills." (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
What a declaration of faith of this man's commitment to His God. He rededicates himself to God, to His vision, and the destiny of the nation. Regardless of what happens, Habakkuk will trust the process in which God has placed him.
I often find comfort and strength in the words of John the Baptist who said, "The God of heaven appoints every man his work and mission in life." Whatever my lot, work, or mission I need to do it with all my might and keep my focus on God and His plan for my life and the destiny He has prepared for me.
So, then, what does this all mean to us?
If the boss you are working for doesn't appreciate you or is unable to see your value as a person and an employee--trust God anyway.
If your spouse thinks you are carrying your faith a little too far. Trust God anyway.
Your family may think you are shielding yourself and your children from the real world. Trust God anyway.
If the stress that you are experiencing is unbearable. Trust God anyway.
If youi body suffers pain, and there seems to be no relief. Trust God anyway.
If your career seems to be going nowhere. Trust God anyway.
Let me tell you, my dear friends--if you plan to make it in this Christian life, there is only one way. And that way is to trust in God. Anyway.
Will you receive this Benediction given to us by the Apostle Paul?
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He Who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
"Who can separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulaton, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword . . .
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death or life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:31-39).
Posted on
Wed, February 23, 2011
by Hugh Morgan